Alaska State Veteran'sBenefits & Discounts

The state of Alaska provides several veteran benefits. This section offers a brief description of each of the following benefits.

Real Estate Benefits Employment Benefits Education Benefits Other State Veteran Benefits

Veteran Real Estate Benefits

Veterans Land Discount/Purchase PreferenceThe Veterans Land Discount program allows certain veterans to a 25 percent discount on the purchase price of state residential/recreational land. The discount may be used only once during the veteran's lifetime and may not be used in conjunction with the veterans preference.

Under the Veterans Land Sale Preference, before offering to the general public any unoccupied residential land by auction, a veteran has the exclusive opportunity purchase the land at a restricted sale at fair appraised market value.   Parcels that are offered under this preference must be five acres or less, classified as settlement land and zoned for residential use only. 

Property Tax ExemptionsReal property owned and occupied as the primary residence and permanent place of abode by a qualified disabled veteran whose disability was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty and whose disability has been rated as 50 percent or more by the military service or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is exempt from taxation on the first $150,000.00 of assessed valuation. Contact your local municipal tax assessor’s office by March 15 for exemption for current year.

Veterans Housing and Residential Loans

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The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) administers the Veterans Mortgage Program which offers financing for qualified veterans at lower interest rates.  Active duty service in the Armed Forces, Public Health Service, NOAA or service as a cadet at the US Military, Air Force, Coast Guard or Naval Academy may qualify.  Loans are generally processed rapidly, require little or no down payment, and often include lower interest.

AHFC also offers a Veterans Interest Rate Preference, in which a veteran receives a one percent lower interest rate on the first $30,000 of a bank loan when purchasing a new home, ask the bank handling the financing to implement this program for you.  AHFC grants a preference to veterans for the rent or sale of a portion of its low cost housing projects units

Learn more about Alaska's Veterans Real Estate Benefits at http://veterans.alaska.gov/real-estate.html

Veteran Employment Programs

Employment Preference RightsWorkplace Alaska in the Division of Personnel in the Department of Administration is the on-line recruitment process for all the states classified service positions. Every vacancy in the classified service, except those requiring registration with Job Service, are posted on the homepage and are available for on-line application. Vacancies are advertised in the Sunday editions of the Fairbanks News Miner, Juneau Empire, and Anchorage Daily News along with recruitment phone lines. Veterans who possess the necessary qualifications for a given state job classification and served on active duty and received an honorable or general discharge during the dates listed on the employment application, are eligible for a state employment hiring preference.

Veterans Employment ServicesThe Veterans Services Section of the Employment Security Division of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development promotes employment, economic stability, and growth by operating a no-fee labor exchange that meets the needs of employers, job seekers, and veterans. The service provides job placement, job matching and referral, vocational counseling, and job search assistance.

Affirmative Action PlanThe State of Alaska 1998 Affirmative Action Plan affords all present and prospective state employees in the executive branch an equal opportunity for employment regardless of their veteran’s status - among many other factors.

The state will ensure there are no impermissible or artificial barriers for veterans or disabled veterans to cross in applying for state jobs, provide on-the-job training and assistance in locating qualified disabled applicants, recruit and employ qualified persons with disabilities and Vietnam era vets for state jobs, and sets up an informal complaint procedure. The plan is administered by the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity in the Division of Personnel.

Learn more about Alaska’s Veteran Employment Services inclusive of the Hero2Hired Program, USERRA, VetSuccess, Veteran Employment Tax Credit, and Military Credit for State Retirement at http://veterans.alaska.gov/employment-benefits.html.

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Alaska Education Benefits

Free Tuition for Spouse or Dependent of Armed Services MemberThe spouse or dependent of an armed services member who died in the line of duty or who died as a result of injuries sustained while in the line of duty or who was listed by the Department of Defense as a Prisoner of War or as Missing in Action is entitled to a waiver of undergraduate tuition and fees the students must be in good standing in a state supported educational institution in Alaska.

High School DiplomasOperation Recognition, a nation-wide effort, recognizes that many World War II veterans went off to war and never returned to high school to get a diploma.

In Alaska, the Department of Education and Early Development may award diplomas to World War II vets living in Alaska, including Alaska Territorial Guard members, who served during the period of August 7, 1940 to July 5, 1947 and were honorably discharged or died in active service or were released from active duty because of a service-related disability. A family member may apply on behalf of a veteran who is deceased or incapacitated. Even ex-GIs with a Graduation Equivalency Diploma could apply.

Learn more about Alaska’s Veteran Education Benefits inclusive of the University of Alaska, Student Loan Protection, the GI and Post 9/11 GI Bill, and Other Federal Education and Training Benefits at http://veterans.alaska.gov/education-benefits.html

Other Alaska State Veteran Benefits

Recording Veterans Report of Separation FormA veteran may record, without fee, the original or a certified copy of his or her Armed Forces Report of Separation (DD-214 Form) at any State Recorder's office of the Department of Natural Resources.

The Recorder's office maintains 14 District offices throughout the state, overseeing 34 recording districts that record, index, and archive all of the documents that create the Official Public Record of the state of Alaska.

Disabled Veterans Parking PermitsDisabled Veterans Parking PermitsDisabled Parking Permits are also obtained from the DMV, available to persons at least 50 percent disabled or medically handicapped, including persons disabled in the line of duty while serving in the Alaska Territorial Guard. Applicants must show reception of at least 50 percent disability compensation from a government agency or an affidavit signed by a physician licensed to practice in Alaska.

Veterans License PlatesVeterans License Plates, with the word 'veteran' and the symbol of each branch of service, are available from the Division of Motor Vehicles upon submission of written proof of veterans status. Fee is $30 biennially. 

Air Force Army Coast Guard

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Marines Navy National Guard

The following organizational symbols are available and are on the approved list

1st Infantry

B002017 30.00 0.002nd Infantry

B002007 30.00 0.003rd Infantry

B002004 30.00 0.00

4th InfantryB002005 30.00 0.00

25th InfantryB002008 30.00 0.00

1st Cavalry B002009 30.00 0.00

10th MountainB002010 30.00 0.00

82nd AirborneB002006 30.00 0.00

101st AirborneB002001 30.00 0.00

173rd Airborne B002002 30.00 0.00

Pathfinder B002013 30.00 0.00

Alaska Air Command B006001 30.00 0.00

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Ranger B002011 30.00 0.00

1st Marine Div.B005001 30.00 0.00

Special Forces B002019 30.00 0.00

USAR AK Bear B002016 30.00 0.00

Alaska National Guard CrestB002015 30.00 0.00

Alaska National Guard PatchB002014 30.00 0.00

75th Ranger ScrollB002012 30.00 0.00

172d Infantry B002018 30.00 0.00

366th TFWB002040 30.00 0.00

VFW 214 Black SheepB002039 30.00 0.00

932nd ACW SqaudronB002043 30.00 0.00

11 AirborneB002035 30.00 0.00

11th Air Force B002030 30.00 0.00

4/23rd Infantry B002028 30.00 0.00

6th Marine Div.B002029 30.00 0.00

187th Reg. Combat B002023 30.00 0.00

501st PIR B002027 30.00 0.00

1st Signal BrigadeB002026 30.00 0.00

Navy Seals B002020 30.00 0.00

196 Infantry B002024 30.00 0.00

501st GeronimosB002025 30.00 0.00

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176 LRS B002031 30.00 0.00

1st AVN. BrigadeB002038 30.00 0.00

52nd Ord Group B002044 30.00 0.00

PBR 593B002022 30.00 0.00

168th Security ForcesB002041 30.00 0.00

SeaBeesB004001 30.00 0.00

7th CorpB002042 30.00 0.00

20th EngineersB002037 30.00 0.00

9th InfantryB002033 30.00 0.00

18th CorpB002003 30.00 0.00

29th InfantryB002036 30.00 0.0

42nd (ID) InfantryB002021 30.00 0.00

ACSB002045 30.00 0.00

AK Territorial GuardB002034 30.00 0.00

11th ACRB002032 30.00 0.0

Alaska Air National GuardB006002 30.00 0.00

5th Marine DivisionB005002 30.00 0.00

USARVB002046 30.00 0.00

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8th Infantry Division B002053 30.00 0.00

USS Abraham LincolnB004002 30.00 0.00

USAF Pararescue B002049 30.00 0.00

Airforce System CommandB002047 30.00 0.00

29th Ordinance B002048 30.00 0.00

160th Special Operations B002051 30.00 0.00

2nd Armored DivisionB002054 30.00 0.00

4th Recon Battalion USMCB005003 30.00 0.00

Fleet Anti-Terrorism Management Team (FAST)

B004003 30.00 0.00

17th Calvary Regiment B002055 30.00 0.00

1/5 Infantry RegimentB002053 30.00 0.00

Pearl Harbor Survivors and former POWs recipients may receive a special plate at no charge.

Purple Heart recipients and Alaska National Guard members may also purchase special plates for $30.

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A Disabled Veteran can register one vehicle without charge and receive a specially designed registration plate that displays recognition of the disabled veteran. With proof, persons disabled in the line of duty, who are 50 percent disabled or medically handicapped as a consequence of service are eligible. The plate does not display the standard handicap symbol and does not carry with it special parking privileges; however the standard wheelchair logo may be available depending upon the level of disability as described below.

Gold Star Family (GSF) plates are available to the spouse, parent, guardian, sibling, or dependent of a member of the United Stated armed forces killed in the line of duty. The applicant must submit a Report of Casualty (DD Form 1300) to be eligible. If the applicant is not listed on the DD 1300, further proof must be submitted to connect the applicant to the fallen soldier.

Alaska Marine Highway PassA one-year pass on the ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway is available for veterans having a service-related disability. This pass entitles the disabled passenger and an attendant (if required by a physician) to travel at 50% of the regular passenger fare, between Alaska ports only, on all vessels, year-round.

Alaska Veteran Driver’s LicenseVeterans are entitled to have their veteran status noted on their Alaska Drivers License or ID Card. Cost is $5 at the Alaska DMV. Proof of honorable discharge is required.

Retired Military ID Card DD214/15 NGB22 or NGB22A WD AGO 53, 55, 53-55 NAVPERS 553 NAVMC 78PD NAVCG 553

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Birthday Cards from the GovernorBirthday greetings from the Governor are available to veterans 80 years and older. Veterans or family or friends of veterans should contact the governor's office at least four weeks in advance and supply the name and address of the person to receive the card and appropriate proof of age.

Governor's Advocacy AwardIndividuals who demonstrate an extraordinary personal concern, compassion, and commitment to veterans causes, veterans, and their families are eligible for the annual Governor's Veterans Advocacy Award. A winner could also have formed a new, innovative or creative volunteer program or project that benefits vets. Accomplishments must have been performed on a volunteer basis. Governor's Veterans Advocacy Award will be presented on Veterans Day, November 11th. 

Military and Veterans Memorial Landmark PropertyThe Military and Veterans Landmark Property Program formally recognize memorials around the state built to honor the military and veterans of the armed forces. Information about the memorials is important to understanding the sacrifices made by veterans in Alaska and America, the role of the military, and the history of our nation's wars.Information about memorials will be preserved by the State of Alaska as an important part of its history. A record of each approved Landmark Property will be maintained by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, including a list of properties to be kept, to facilitate visitation to memorials for those interested in doing so. The state will provide an attractive, numbered certificate, suitable for framing, at no cost.

Wartime Letters - The Legacy ProjectThe Legacy Project is a unique and meaningful way to honor all veterans by preserving letters written by soldiers on the front and letters written to them from home.

A national, volunteer non-profit agency, known as The Legacy Project, began collecting letters from any American wartime period to preserves these treasured documents and therefore heighten appreciation of them.

Letters can be ones personally written or received, or written by a relative. These may include eyewitness accounts of battles or acts of heroism, encounters with famous military leaders, love letters, or any other irreplaceable messages or little-known stories that will offer historians and future generations a better understanding of those who served and sacrificed for country.

Military Credit towards State RetirementCertain members of the various state retirement programs may be eligible for additional credit for up to five years military service. Military service will increase your retirement service and monthly benefits.  Although military service is not membership service, in certain cases it may count toward vesting and retirement eligibility. Visit site below, click on the retirement system of interest, scroll to Military Credit.  

In the National Guard and Naval Militia Retirement System, anyone with at least 20 years of combined Alaska guard service, guard service in any other state, active military service and the reserves of them, of which at least 5 years must have been satisfactory service in any branch, may receive a small benefit upon separation from the Alaska army guard, air guard, or naval militia if you meet minimum eligibility provisions.

Visit the Alaska State VA website http://veterans.alaska.gov/ to get more details and learn how to apply for veteran benefits [Source: http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits/alaska-state-veterans-benefits.htm Jun 2014 ++]

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Military Discounts in Alaska1. MVDC has a list of close to 500 locations in Alaska that have discounts for military personnel or veterans. Similar to businesses, the state of Alaska provides rich incentives for its veterans and military population. If you are looking for business discounts, use our search tool at http://militaryandveteransdiscounts.com/location/alaska.html

2. Veterans Designation on driver’s license: Yes

3. Discounted Fees and Taxes National Guard and Militia retirees are eligible for an additional $100 per month in retirement income Disabled veterans may qualify for property tax exemptions Up to 25% off on land purchases through the Veterans Land Grant program for certain veterans A 1% reduction of interest on the first $30,000 of a mortgage on a new home purchase Under the Veterans Land Sale Preference, before unoccupied residential land is auctioned to the general

public, veterans have the exclusive opportunity to purchase it at a restricted sale Free hunting and fishing licenses for national guard members and disabled veterans Free state camping passes for disabled veterans 50% off passenger ferry fares through the Alaska Marine Highway Program

4. Education Discounts Free tuition to dependents or surviving spouses of service members that died in the line of duty Alaska National Guardsman can receive 100% tuition assistance for college Alaska military personnel are eligible for tuition assistance at other in state schools High school diplomas for WWII veterans

[Source: http://militaryandveteransdiscounts.com/location/alaska.html JUN 2014 ++]

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